The Standing Army, “an Instrument of Oppression”

The standing army would not only be an instrument of oppression but a source of moral corruption. With interests and habits different from the rest of the community, a standing army “will inevitably sow the seeds of corruption and depravity of manners. Indolence will increase, and with it crimes cannot but increase. The springs of honesty will gradually grow lax, and chaste and severe manners be succeeded by those that are dissolute and vicious. When a standing army is kept, virtue never thrives.” (Federal Republican)